Colchester police say uniforms have low priority

Tuesday

All but one of Colchester’s police officers have said “no thanks” to a plan to spend up to $6,000 to upgrade their uniforms to what town officials say would be a more professional look.

All but one of Colchester’s police officers have said “no thanks” to a plan to spend up to $6,000 to upgrade their uniforms to what town officials say would be a more professional look.

Instead, the officers, in a memo to the Police Commission, said they’d rather the town spend the money on computer upgrades for the police cruisers.

The money was included as part of the 2011-12 budget, passed by voters May 10. First Selectman Gregg Schuster said a uniform change to a more “professional” look would allow Colchester police to participate in parades and other official functions.

Colchester officer Eric Watrous said all but two officers — Sgt. Robert Suchecki and Officer Rob Labonte — signed the letter. Watrous said he had talked with Labonte and that he agreed with the others.

“If new uniforms have to be bought, they should buy a separate uniform that can be used for special functions,” Watrous said. “I’m very happy with our current uniforms. I feel they’re functional, professional and comfortable.”

Do jobs better

Watrous explained that working computers in the vehicles would enable officers to do their jobs faster and more efficiently. If there’s no computer, an officer must use a radio to call in information on suspects, those who have been arrested and people who get pulled over — a time-consuming process, he said.

The current uniform, a “wash-and-wear” style in use about three years, has sewn-on patches and name tags instead of badges. The proposed change would switch the tunic from gray to black and include pin-on badges, name tags and a tie. The existing cargo pants style would change to a more formal look. Hats would switch from baseball-style caps to a more traditional look.

“Most of us like the baseball hats,” Watrous said.

Suchecki and two other officers were tasked with looking at alternate uniform options.

“It’s been a concern about the way they look,” commission Chairman Rob Parlee said.

Schuster welcomed the officers’ comments.

“I wish they were a lot sooner,” he said. “The budget process is long … We as a community debated this.”

He said he’d be hesitant to support using the money for a purpose other than the one that was budgeted.

Resident Nancy Riella backed the officers’ suggestion.

“They should spend the money on equipment that helps them become more efficient rather than on how they look,” she said. “We still have high unemployment and layoffs, and they’re worrying about uniforms?”

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.